Joseph Nobriga Jr.

Joseph Nobriga Obituary

JOSEPH NOBRIGA JR. Also known as Joe Six, he passed away on August 10, 2004. Born in Oakland, California, on May 1, 1927, this Bay Area native was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1947, and was an Alameda fireman for 10 years. Joe left the fire department to pursue his passion singing and acting. He performed in many musical comedies and light operas, including The Fantastics as El Gallo; Joe was lead performer in Oklahoma, Music Man, Guys & Dolls, South Pacific, Carousel, and numerous other local stage productions. Joe managed the Sea Witch in Ghirardelli Square, where he initiated and developed the concept of singing bartenders and servers. He opened Joe Nobriga's Showcase (later Joe Six's Showcase) in July 1978 to provide opportunities for local performers to showcase their talent. The Showcase was the home of the first International Stand Up Comedy Competition, which included Bob Sarlotte and Robin Williams. At Showcase, he also starred in Papa, based on the life of Ernest Hemingway which was written specifically for Joe. After retirement he continued singing as part of the quartet Fouragra, performing for various events, charitable functions, retirement homes and churches. Joe was that rare individual who gave more of himself to others than he ever could receive. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his fantastic sense of humor, kind and generous demeanor and his beautiful, velvet baritone voice. A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others. His heart filled the earth. Survived by his loving sister, Lenora Chapman, one son, Steve Nobriga (Adel), and three daughters, Norie Whittaker, Lorie Cinco (Marlo) and Jody Nobriga, seven granddaughters, one grandson, three great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter, two nieces, eight nephews, and the love of his life, Nancy Six. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Justina Nobriga, and brother, Ralph Nobriga. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2004, 11 a.m. at the Transfiguration Catholic Church, 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Donations in the memory of Joe can be sent to the UCSF Medical Center, the American Cancer Society, or the donor's favorite charity.

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Published by Oakland Tribune from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Nobriga

2 Entries

paul Castillo

August 31, 2004

To Joe's family and loved ones:

I know this is a long message, but I would like you to know how I felt about Joe. It is probably best expressed in a letter I wrote to Joe shortly before his passing.

Paul Castillo

Hello, Old Friend:

Every time I talk to Robert Roger, your name comes up. I am always interested in how you are and what you are doing and he brings me up to date. Of course, that only happens once or twice a year. This time he tells me that you have quite a challenge now. I don’t quite know what to say about that, except that, knowing you, you are handling it with courage and class.

I believe that we all start and end at the same place, and it is what we do with the time in between that matters and separates us. You, my friend, have been spending your time being a friend. I do not know of any higher accomplishment. You have pursued your dreams and achieved your goals in a manner that has endeared you to many people. I speak from experience. I have never forgotten how you spent hours of your valuable time, in your home, helping me make demo tapes. Even then, I was aware of the gifts you were giving me, your time, your support and your friendship. Again, during the Ed Hennessey shows, you treated me as an equal even though I was a neophyte and you were a seasoned pro. You helped me to believe in myself as a performer. (I never quite mastered that, though.) Moreover, let us not forget that you recommended me to Robert, which started me on a wonderful adventure with RAMA. The way you treated me was the same way I saw you treat others. To paraphrase an old TV commercial, nobody doesn’t like Joe.

I believe you were a firefighter when we met. You talked about your dream of opening a club where performers could come and showcase their talents. Years later, when I learned of the existence of Joe Six’s Showcase, I was amazed and delighted to see that you had actually done it. It was the first time that I had seen someone express a dream then go out and make it come true. When I first walked into Joe Six’s, I felt proud of you. I knew what you had accomplished. Even then, you were gracious. You asked me if I would like to perform. I declined, but your acknowledgement meant a great deal to me.

I have thought of you often over the years. I have admired you for your personal qualities and for your talent. I still tell people that the three best singers I’ve ever known are Joe Six, Robert Roger and Jeanne Bascom. None world famous, but all world class. When I mention you, I always add, “He is better than John Raitt”.

Well, my friend, I could go on and on, but I won’t. There is much still left unsaid, but I guess it all comes down to this, thank you. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being in my life.

Paul

Elizabeth Manship-Craig

August 17, 2004

Dear Larry & Family,

I was deeply saddened to read about your loss. My condolences to all of you. My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours.

Fondly, Elizabeth

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